The 67-year-old stated that the former Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back is central to his plans, leaving the defensive trio of Daniel Van Buyten, Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng to fight it out for a place alongside him.

“If Dante is fit and healthy, he plays,” Heynckes told the club’s official website.

“He has great anticipation, he reads the play and he's a big personality.”

Die Roten captain Phillip Lahm also praised the 29-year-old, adding: “Dante is one of the best defenders I've ever played with."

But the defender himself preferred to focus the attention on the whole squad.

“We're a super-collective, and that's the only reason I look good at the back," Dante said.

"I can’t ease off now. My hopes are rising, simply because I'm playing for Bayern,” he added.